Quavo is continuing to turn his pain into purpose. The Migos rapper and his Rocket Foundation just held the second annual Rocket Summit in his hometown of Atlanta, with a powerful mission to “Change The Game” when it comes to ending gun violence—especially in underserved communities.
Held at the iconic College Football Hall of Fame, the summit brought together heavy hitters from across the nation—from community violence intervention (CVI) leaders to student athletes, grassroots organizers, and even survivors—to discuss real solutions and amplify voices that rarely get heard. The summit, which landed during Gun Violence Prevention Month, also honored the life of Quavo’s nephew and fellow Migos member Takeoff, who was tragically killed in 2022.
Rocket Summit Highlights Urgent Action on Gun Violence
Kicking off with a VIP luncheon and opening speeches, this year’s Rocket Summit focused on how communities can take the lead in ending the cycle of gun violence. The first panel, titled “The Urgency of Now,” was moderated by Greg Jackson, President of The Rocket Foundation and former White House Deputy Director for Gun Violence Prevention.
Panelists included:
- Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action
- Amber Goodwin, Founder of Community Justice and the CVI Legal Network
- Marcus Ellis, Cities United
- Dr. Chico Tillmon, CVI Leadership Academy
Each panelist dropped gems about why long-term investments into CVI programs are the key to protecting lives—especially in cities like Atlanta. The conversation laid out real data, experiences, and game plans to reduce violence without relying solely on policing.
“We Are the Change” — Grassroots Leaders Speak Up
The next panel, “We Are the Change,” featured speakers on the front lines of violence prevention. These weren’t politicians or influencers—they were survivors and leaders rooted in the struggle.
Speakers included:
- Leonard Dungee, H.O.P.E. Hustlers
- Deborah Daniels, Offender Alumni Association (OAA)
- Aaliyah Strong, Tyme to Thrive
They spoke candidly about lived trauma, community betrayal, and what it means to reach youth where they are. From policy changes to mentorship, this segment emphasized that real healing begins with real people in the neighborhood.
Throughout the day, attendees were able to join roundtable sessions focused on critical issues:
- Youth and teens
- Legal action
- Mothers and survivors
- Policy solutions
An on-site therapy activation offered free support to families navigating trauma—highlighting the Rocket Foundation’s commitment to holistic healing.
Young Dolph’s Widow Speaks on Loss, Love, and Legacy
One of the most emotional moments came during a sit-down between Greg Jackson and Mia Jaye, the widow of late rapper Young Dolph. Jaye spoke on grief, motherhood, and how she turned her pain into purpose. She and Jackson discussed how often Black families are left to pick up the pieces alone and how important it is to center survivors—not just statistics.
All The Smoke Keynote: Quavo Gets Real With Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson
To close out the day, Quavo took center stage for a special All The Smoke keynote conversation with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Speaking directly to families affected by gun violence, Quavo stressed the importance of healing over hate.
“We have to change the way we look at conflict. Not every loss needs revenge. Sometimes we have to lead with compassion,” Quavo said.
The crowd sat in silence as Quavo opened up about the impact of losing Takeoff and how it had fueled his mission to prevent others from experiencing the same pain. The Q&A that followed allowed attendees to share their own stories, ask real questions, and connect in meaningful ways.
The Rocket Foundation Lights the Way Forward
From powerful panels to emotional testimony, the Rocket Summit proved one thing: Atlanta has the tools, talent, and tenacity to lead the charge in gun violence prevention. With support from sponsors like Fanatics, White X Cognac, Community Justice, Crown Family Philanthropies, and others, this summit wasn’t just about talk—it was about action. As The Rocket Foundation continues to push for community-first solutions, Quavo’s message remains consistent.